E. Gail de Planque facts for kids
Eileen Gail de Planque (born in 1944, died September 8, 2010) was an amazing American nuclear physicist. She was an expert at measuring radiation in the environment. She made history as the first woman and first health physicist to become a Commissioner at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), a part of the US government.
Eileen Gail de Planque knew a lot about many things. These included checking for radiation around nuclear places, measuring radiation exposure for people, and designing radiation shielding. She also studied how radiation moves and how to measure it using special materials.
Her Journey and Work
Eileen was born in New Jersey and grew up in Maryland. She loved learning! She earned her first degree in Mathematics in 1967. Then, she got a Master's degree in Physics in 1973. Later, she earned her PhD in Environmental Health Science in 1983.
From 1967 to 1982, she worked as a physicist for the United States Atomic Energy Commission. This group helped manage nuclear energy. In 1982, she became the deputy director at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory. This lab is part of the US Department of Energy. Five years later, she became its director.
From 1991 to 1995, Dr. de Planque was a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This important group makes sure nuclear power plants and materials are used safely.
A big part of her work was helping other women. In 1997, she led a group called "Celebration of Women in Engineering." They held conferences to encourage young women to choose careers in engineering. They even created a website called EngineerGirl!
Dr. de Planque was a respected leader in science. She was a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She was also a member of the National Academy of Engineering. She even served as president of the American Nuclear Society from 1988 to 1989. She also helped lead a group that compared radiation measurements around the world.
Later in her career, Dr. de Planque served on the boards of several large energy companies. This showed her continued influence in the energy field.
Life Outside Work
Eileen Gail de Planque was married to Frank Burke. She lived in both New York City and Potomac, Maryland. She passed away in 2010.
Awards and Honors
Eileen Gail de Planque received many awards for her important work:
- 1990: Women of Achievement in Energy award
- 1991: Outstanding Woman Scientist of the Year award
- 2003: Henry DeWolf Smyth Award for Nuclear Statesmanship
- 2004: Inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame
